Abstract [en]

We have examined the stimulation and recording properties of conjugated polymer microelectrode arrays as interfaces with neural networks of dissociated cortical cells. In particular the stimulation properties were investigated as a means of supplying a neural network with information. The stimulation efficiency at low stimulation voltages was evaluated and referenced to bare indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. The polymer electrodes were electrochemically polymerized from a blend of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) and ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) onto ITO microelectrodes. Dissociated cortical cells were then plated on the electrodes and cultivated to form neural networks. Polymer electrode stimulation evoked a much greater response from the network than stimulation from ITO electrodes. Neural interfaces using polymer electrodes could be maintained for several months.